31.07.20 News release: From , and West Councils

District Council Leaders slam County Council’s proposals for three unitary authorities across Lancashire in upcoming Government shake up of Local Government Leaders from South Ribble, Chorley and Councils have today provided a response to a letter from Lancashire County Council’s Geoff Driver mapping out his intention to write to the Secretary of State to request an invitation to submit proposals for the creation of three unitary authorities in Lancashire.

County Council’s position is to propose a structure that would see three councils responsible for the delivery of services to the people of Lancashire. This would then pave the way for the election of a mayor for the whole county and the creation of the Lancashire Combined Authority.

Three district council Leaders, Paul Foster, Alistair Bradley and Ian Moran from South Ribble, Chorley and West Lancs respectively, have come together to express their utmost disappointment of the County Council’s decision to push forward with their proposals to central government without sufficient consensus from their authorities to do so.

As such, the three leaders have collectively signed a counter letter set for the Secretary of State to refute the County Council’s proposals and to instead suggest a Unitary authority comprising of South Ribble, Chorley and West Lancashire as the preference while committing to further discussions with partners.

Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Council said, “I am deeply disappointed with County Council’s decision to press forward and request dialogue with the Secretary of State on this matter without our consensus.

“I’m also disappointed that the decision to push forward was made at County Council by some who also stand as Members of South Ribble Borough Council.

“The integrity of local government in this region and the needs of the residents we serve is paramount and I’m pleased I can stand alongside my fellow leaders at Chorley and West Lancashire Councils to publicly state our position.

“I look forward to moving forward in constructive discussions with all partners, including County Council in the hope of finding a resolution we are all comfortable with.”

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council said, “Discussions amongst Lancashire leaders on this matter have been ongoing for an extremely long time and I echo my fellow Leaders’ disappointment.

“Over the past weeks and months, we have collectively tried to work with our neighbours to develop a consistent and joined up view of where Chorley’s interests may be best placed in any changes to local government.

“Position documents have been drafted by various Councils however, unfortunately we were unable to achieve any unanimity of view.

“Given County Council has moved forward with their intention to present their proposal – of which has no consensus with Lancashire leaders – forward to the Secretary of State, it is prudent for us to voice the opinion of Chorley Council to ensure that the voices of our council, our residents and beloved communities are heard.”

Councillor Ian Moran, Leader of West Lancashire Council said, “Government’s planned shake up of local government leaves us in critical situation. The decisions we make at this moment will shape the future of our authorities and our operations and ultimately how we serve our hundreds of thousands of residents across the region.

“For County Council to push forward with their agenda without consensus of the other Leaders is disappointing, and I fear sets an environment of disjointed communications and mistrust across the region on what is a fundamental decision to be made.

“I am pleased that I can stand alongside my colleagues at South Ribble and Chorley Councils who share the same view as what is best placed for our and residents.

“I sincerely hope we can move forward as collective Leaders across Lancashire and move to have continued discussions about our future and to reach a consensus we can all be proud of standing by.”

ENDS

Attachments 1. Copy of letter from 3 Leaders

Contact: For further information, please contact Laura Barton-Williams on [email protected] or 07843 001 473